Interview | Five Minutes with Purdy

We sat down with Singer Songwriter Purdy to discuss her support for Jools Holland and what really inspires her in the world of music.

First of all I’d like to congratulate you on being announced to support Jools Holland on his UK tour. I bet you’re looking forward to performing at the Royal Albert Hall?

Thank you very much. I have to admit I am just a little bit excited. I mean is there a more wonderful historic music venue to play in London? And I have huge amounts of respect for Jools Holland as a musician and supporter of artists.

You have performed in front of 90,000 people at Wembley in the past and recently opened for Lana Del Rey on Richard Branson’s Necker Island. Do you ever get nervous before you perform?

I’d be lying if I said I didn’t get nervous. I have lots of nervous energy before a show but I think I’ve got better at channeling it into my performance.

Did you get a chance to interact with Richard Branson or Lana Del Rey?

Lana Del Rey had a serious entourage and was whisked in and out. I really enjoyed her performance though. I think we have similar influences. I left through the front door.

I had the chance to see you perform at Under The Bridge last year, and I could see the energy in your performance; growing up did anyone in particular influence your live performing ability?

I think experience helps you to find your own performing style. I’m glad you felt my energy. I do get quite passionate when I’m singing my stories.

Do you feel better performing live or in the studio?

Live every time. When you talk about energy it’s also about the energy you are getting from your audience. You can’t beat that. I love recording my songs though. It’s a different buzz.

What I like about your music is the mixture of different genres such as jazz, soul, traditional pop and country. How did you become involved in the type of music you sing?

I fell in love with Nina Simone at a young age then I discovered Jazz and all those helpless romantic standards. At the same time country would have been seeping into my veins from my mothers records. I like that you picked up on that. There are so many influences though it’s hard to pin point anything exactly. Mainly individual songs grab me like “Bang Bang” by Nancy Sinatra. “Is That All There Is” by Peggy Lee. “Glory Box” by Portishead”. So many.

As we all know music surrounds us throughout our life, now thinking back then what type of music did you grow up listening to?

If I’m not playing vinyl on my 1914 Gramophone I am mixing it up with Dylan, Nina, Ella, Otis, Fleetwood Mack, The Doors. Love a bit of Paulo Nutini, Sia & Dear Amy W too. She was the real deal. Alabama Shakes- they are cool.

Nice. And right now, what are you listening to?

That’s a question it could take a lifetime to answer but in short like most songs, they are about love, heart ache, loss, passion, betrayal etc. Things that have effected me. I like to think I’ve come from some interesting angles. When I was young I’d fantasise about on screen love. I’m told that filmic vibe comes through.

Alright. Let’s talk about your songs, tell us what your songs are about. What specific themes do they cover?

I write new songs or ideas down all the time. It’s hard when you’re releasing an album to move away from that immediately. It’s like stepping out of a relationship and starting a new one straight away. I prefer to let the smoke clear.

True. What can we expect from your album?

The album is a journey. A mixed bag. It’s dark. It’s sexy. It’s humorous in places. It’s emotional! *laughs*

Sounds interesting! Do you have any other interests or talents that we don’t know about?

I love to paint. I will have a paint section on my website soon. It started as a hobby but people asked to buy my pieces so I’m happy to share another form of art with the world.

That’s amazing, I can’t wait to see that. And finally, where can everyone find your music?